For the Townsman
A recent wave of mortality that has hit Cranbrook ducks has prompted Tamarack Centre administration to advise the public to please stop feeding them.
"In the interest and welfare of the ducks, Tamarack Centre administration office and staff are asking customers and nearby residents to not feed the waterfowl that occupy the parking lot and part of Joseph Creek that runs behind the mall," the Tamarack Centre said in a press release.
Seven ducks were recently found dead in one week alone, the release added.
The ducks usually migrate to Elizabeth Lake, or somewhere warmer, in winter. However, due to humans feeding them the ducks are staying put at Tamarack instead of foraging for their food.
“This is causing failed migration and is allowing the ducks to concentrate and over-populate which causes a host of other problems, including disease and nutritional deficiencies.”
When waterfowl are fed, they abandon the search for natural and nutritious foods. Typically waterfowl eat roots, shoots, stems, berries, leaves, insects and aquatic vertebrates.
“To avoid wasting money on seed, please do not feed the birds,” the Tamarack Centre release said.
Tamarack Centre is warning customers and nearby residents that the seeds distributed in the parking lot will be swept up and disposed of as it creates unwanted mess and goes moldy very quickly which in turn has negative and dire impact on the ducks.
“Wildlife does not need help from humans to survive. Keep the wild in wildlife and enjoy the ducks from a distance.”